Tech engineering firm D2H joins hydrogen powered Toyota consortium

By Tom Kilkelly

7 September 2023

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Credit: D2H

D2H Advanced Technologies is working as part of a consortium consisting of British engineering and industry firms to develop a zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell-powered version of the Toyota Hilux.

The Buckinghamshire firm will use its expertise in simulation, aerodynamics and thermodynamics to contribute to the project led by Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK (TMUK).

Most of D2H's efforts will be pooled in the development of the car's cooling systems and airflow strategies.

Adam Evans, D2H’s Senior Engineer on the project, said: “The UK’s fast-approaching 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel-powered vehicles includes pickups, and that has implications for the off-highway, construction, and utilities sectors that depend on these reliable workhorses.

“Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cell technology, as proven in the Mirai, provides one possible solution to the challenge of keeping these industries on the move in environments where battery-electric powertrains often prove impractical.

“Our experience of developing technical and engineering solutions to complex problems that are both efficient and commercially cost-effective will be put to good use.”

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Scheduled to run for two years, the project will see prototype vehicles built at TMUK’s Burnaston site in 2023 until 2025

Other members of this consortium include engineering consultancy Ricardo, European Thermodynamics Ltd (ETL), and the insurance industry’s automotive research centre, Thatcham Research.

Darren Davies, D2H Advanced Technologies’ Chief Executive, said: “We’re incredibly proud to have been selected to work on this pioneering project with Toyota, and to have the opportunity to work with the other consortium partners who all represent the finest talent available within the UK’s automotive industry.”

By Tom Kilkelly

Tom Kilkelly started working as a freelance journalist for The Business Magazine following his graduation from UCL in 2022.

During his studies Tom became very interested in the works of Irish authors including Samuel Beckett and Flann O'Brien (Brian O'Nolan).

His current role as a freelance business reporter is his first exposure to the world of business journalism. Working at TBM has given Tom the chance to really get to grips with the goings-on in the business hive that is the South East.